98. Be Courageous: Insights from AFP Global Chair Roger Ali
About this episode
Have you ever paused to reflect on what fuels your passion for fundraising? Is it the joy of connecting donors with meaningful causes, the thrill of achieving ambitious goals, or perhaps the deep sense of purpose that comes from making a real difference? For me, it’s all of these and more. But let’s be honest—this work isn’t always easy. It demands courage, resilience, and a commitment to navigating challenges with integrity.
In this post, I share insights from my conversation with Roger Ali, Board Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global. We’ll explore his inspiring journey, his strategies for fostering connection and innovation in the nonprofit sector, and his advice for navigating the complexities of our profession. By the end, you’ll walk away with renewed inspiration and practical takeaways to elevate your work as a nonprofit leader.
The Journey: From Newcomer to Global Leader
Roger Ali’s journey in fundraising is nothing short of inspiring. Like many of us, he started as a newcomer in the field, attending his first AFP conference in the late 1990s as a Chamberlain Scholar. That experience was transformative—it gave him not only knowledge but also a sense of belonging. “I left that conference feeling rejuvenated and like AFP was woven into my DNA,” Roger shared.
From there, his career blossomed through progressive leadership roles at local chapters, national boards, and eventually to his current position as AFP Global Board Chair. What stands out most is how deeply personal this journey has been for him. Roger credits his mother’s lifelong commitment to volunteering as planting the seeds for his own dedication to service. “I feel like I’m doing what I was truly meant to do,” he said.
For me, Roger’s story is a powerful reminder that our paths in fundraising are often shaped by personal values and experiences. It’s also a testament to the importance of professional development and community—something AFP continues to champion through its conferences and resources.
Strategic Vision: Building Connection, Education, and Global Impact
As AFP Global Board Chair, Roger is focused on three strategic pillars: enhancing member experience, revolutionizing education and professional development, and expanding global reach. These priorities reflect a forward-thinking vision for the sector.
Member Experience: Roger emphasized the importance of creating greater connection and consistency for AFP members while embedding principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) into everything they do.
Education: The goal is to revolutionize professional development by offering current, relevant, and high-quality resources tailored to members’ needs at different stages of their careers. From pre-conference deep dives to innovative sessions at ICON (AFP’s International Conference), there’s something for everyone.
Global Impact: Collaboration with strategic partners worldwide is central to AFP’s mission. By leveraging complementary strengths across organizations, AFP aims to deliver ethical and impactful programming on a global scale.
Hearing Roger speak about these priorities reminded me of why I love this profession—it’s not just about raising funds; it’s about building a stronger, more connected community of changemakers.
Lessons Learned: Courage and Collaboration
Throughout our conversation, Roger shared invaluable lessons from his extensive career:
Be Nimble: Fundraising often requires adapting on the fly. Whether it’s pausing an ask when a donor shares unexpected news or shifting strategies mid-campaign, flexibility is key.
Embrace Collaboration: Bringing diverse voices to the table leads to richer outcomes. As Roger noted, “While it might take longer, collaboration almost always leads you to a better outcome.”
Have Courage: One story that stood out was when Roger had to push back against a donor who was leveraging their influence unethically. Despite initial fear, he stood firm—and ultimately strengthened their relationship by staying true to the mission.
These lessons resonate deeply because they reflect the realities we all face as nonprofit leaders. They also highlight the importance of staying grounded in our values while navigating complex dynamics.
Let’s Be Courageous Together
As I reflect on my conversation with Roger Ali, one phrase keeps coming back to me: “Be courageous. We can do this together.” It’s a simple yet profound reminder that we’re not alone in this work. Whether we’re tackling declining donor trust or striving for greater equity in philanthropy, we have each other—and together, we can rise to any challenge.
I hope this post has inspired you as much as my conversation with Roger inspired me. If you found value in these insights, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below or share this post with colleagues who could benefit from these lessons. And if you’re attending ICON this year—let’s connect! After all, we’re stronger when we work together.
With boundless gratitude,
Tammy Zonker
Major Gift Expert & Keynote Speaker
Our guest
Roger Ali, MBA, C.Dir., CFRE, AFP Global Board Chair
LinkedIn / Contact / Website
“Be courageous. We can do this together.”
Roger Ali, MBA, C.Dir., CFRE, AFP Global Board Chair
Resources mentioned in this episode
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